Escaping to the New World is her only option…Rescuing her will wrap the chains of the Inquisition around his neck.Marisol Valentin flees Spain after murdering the nobleman who molested her. She ends up for sale on the indentured servants’ block at Charles Town harbor—dirty, angry, and with child. Her hopes are shattered, but she must find a refuge for herself and the child she carries. Can this … for herself and the child she carries. Can this new land offer her the grace, love, and security she craves? Or must she escape again to her only living relative in Cartagena?
Captain Ethan Becket, once a Charles Town minister, now sails the seas as a privateer, grieving his deceased wife. But when he takes captive a ship full of indentured servants, he’s intrigued by the woman whose manners seem much more refined than the average Spanish serving girl. Perfect to become governess for his young son. But when he sets out on a quest to find his captured sister, said to be in Cartagena, little does he expect his new Spanish governess to stow away on his ship with her six-month-old son. Yet her offer of help to free his sister is too tempting to pass up. And her beauty, both inside and out, is too attractive for his heart to protect itself against—until he learns she is a wanted murderess.
As their paths intertwine on a journey filled with danger, intrigue, and romance, only love and the grace of God can overcome the past and ignite a new beginning for Marisol and Ethan.
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If you love adventurous historical romance, I think you’ll love this story!
Even the tagline keeps you on the edge of your seat:
Escaping to the New World is her only option…Rescuing her will wrap the chains of the Inquisition around his neck.
I was so excited to read this novel for many reasons. The historical element intrigues me as its set in colonial Charles Town, SC at a time when death is prevalent. Babies, children, and young wives dies from diseases and complications. Because of this the opportunity comes around often for second time love. How would it feel to not have the chance to live to an old age?
I love the Spanish element as Marisol travels from Spain hoping to start a new life in Cartagena. Her life takes a different path though finding herself indentured in Charles Town. I’m such an organized person finding comfort in charting my future. How would I have handled being an indentured servant when I’d been pampered all my life? Not so well, I’m afraid.
As seen by the lives of these characters in the first of the Charleston Brides Series, God has a plan even in the chaos. Life can get crazy and unpredictable. Through this journey with Marisol, I sense the ever-present need to cultivate a close and steady relationship with God. He can and does turn unfortunate situations into purposeful paths to Him.
A terrible wrong, blood stained hands, a life changed forever. Marisol could be a heroine for the ages, or she could tumble into the abyss. Ethan could be a hero for just such a time as this, if he can climb out of the darkness that’s dragged him from the light. Can love be born from a maelstrom of tragedy? This book’s pace is swift, so widen your stance and hold on tight as you crash through wave after wave on this dangerous voyage of passion and redemption.
What I think you should know:
Marisol Spanish Rose is the first book in the Charleston Brides series by Elva Cobb Martin. It is a historical fiction, set in the early 1740s. Marisol flees Spain after she murders a man in self defense after he attacked her, only to be captured by slavers and pirates. While the start of the book is in Spain the majority of it takes place across the Atlantic in Charlestown and Cartagena.
What you might want to know:
What an adventure! Marisol is a woman who strength who maintained her dignity no matter what situation she was put in she maintained her strength and grace in the face of both the unknown and extreme adversity. I loved the way that I love how this book showed the plight of not only slaves but indentured servants and the horrible way that both were treated. Ethan was hard character to understand at the beginning of the story, but as it progressed and we learned more about him he became a hero that we need. I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
From the first page to the last this book will keep you riveted, with non-stop action, and you won’t see most of it coming.
This is a quick read, read it in a few hours, and couldn’t put it down, I knew how I wanted it to end, but was filled was surprises.
Just when you think things are calming down, wow, hold on to your hat, your off on another journey.
We find along the way a renewed hope of faith, and God is with these people everywhere.
We travel among the continents, beginning in Spain, North American, and Central America, and by ship, this is a time of pirates, precarious journeys, that will keep you page-turning.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
Marisol: Spanish Rose the exciting first installment from Elva Cobb Martin’s new series, Charleston Brides. Marisol finds herself fleeing from her home in Spain as a wanted woman for murder. She crosses the Atlantic and to become an indentured servant. Will she be able to find a second chance or have to flee again for her life?
Marisol: Spanish Rose has a lot of what I love in a book. Which includes: history, action, adventure, romance, high seas and pirates. Throw in beautiful Charles Town and it is a winner for me! I was intrigued with Marisol’s story from the start. I admired her bravery and courage. Ethan is, also, one character that I enjoyed. His struggles will have many readers they will be able to relate to.
Marisol: Spanish Rose is getting a very deserved five plus stars. I can not wait to have the opportunity to pick up the second book from the Charleston Brides series. I am looking forward to find out what will happen next.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
What a fabulous way to spend an afternoon! The author had my attention from the moment young Marisol came running into the house covered in blood and certainly kept my focus right up till the end of this wonderful tale. There is a beautiful, well-bred Spanish lady, a defrocked priest that has become a privateer and a whole array of wonderful characters that work out the many plots in this well written novel.
Traveling from 1740’s Spain to Charles Town to Cartagena there is adventure, danger, intrigue, suspense, pirates, privateers and non-stop action on the high seas. Our characters are reminded that their faith is of utmost importance and that prayer and following what the Lord wants you to do is the best way to live. Toss in some subtle romance and you won’t put this story down.
I received an ARC through Wild Heart Books and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
Review I really enjoyed how this book went from Spain to the New World(Charleston). Marisol grew up as she needed to learn how to survive after tragedy happens. This had a lot of twists and turns. There was some romance and some intrigue. Ethan also learns to trust in God again and to trust in Marisol. It will be interesting to see what the next book in the series is about. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Action and intrigue from the first page. Marisol has to make the best decisions for herself and her son. Her life is filled with danger and uncertainties, but she will do anything to provide protection for the ones she cares about. The author gives great details that brought the scenes to life. I could picture the ships, the stables, the homes and Marisol. I look forward to reading more by Elva Cobb Martin. I was given a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
I love Historical Fiction. When I first read the synopsis of this book, I wasn’t sure if this would be the type of book I would like. I was so very wrong! This book is epic, amazing, sweeping in nature and historic! I don’t know how else to describe it! Once I started it, I was transported back to a time in history that I knew little about but wanted to know more. Marisol became a real woman to me and what a strong woman she was! So many things happened to her to knock her down but she never let anything keep her down for long. She scratched and clawed her way back from certain disaster every time. I admired her more than I can say. Then there’s Ethan….sweet, haunted, struggling-to-do-the-right-thing Ethan! How I loved his character too! These two were destined to be together but it really did take the whole book for them to get through all the pain and trials and circumstances to be able to do that! I cannot recommend this book enough! My only wish was that the story would go on longer and it was already long! However, you get so caught up in the story that you are transported into that time and it’s hard to go back to your own life! READ. THIS. BOOK!!!!!
This was a great book for “easy” reading. Enough plot to keep you interested,
enough romance to keep your heart beating and enough twists to keep you in it
Get ready to embark on a high sea adventure that covers three continents and several ship ports in Marisol: Spanish Rose.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began this journey with Marisol as I’ve never read anything by Elva Cobb Martin. Wow, was I surprised by what I found within these pages. Harrowing rescues, broken hearts, adventurous sea travel, a young woman trapped in several life threatening situations, and a pastor turned privateer with a heart of gold.
When the story begins, you find Marisol disheveled and broken, and running for her life to the New World. She leaves her life of luxury in Spain, praying the Inquisition does not find her. Instead of a safe trip, she and her companion find themselves in the bottom of a slave ship. It isn’t until a handsome privateer has pity, and a little twitter in his heart, for the Spanish heiress that she sees a glimmer of hope for her future. And so the rest of her story goes. Moments of hope that is bookended with adventure and heartbreak.
I couldn’t say enough to boast of this story’s beauty without giving to much away, so I will leave you with this – Get a copy. It is only $0.99 on Kindle right now. You can’t go wrong, especially if you love a little swashbuckling adventure incased in a story of devotion and love.
**I was given a copy of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit. These options are clearly my own.
The story is set against the high seas on an adventure that is filled with danger and secrets. I loved how the author made you fill like you were on the ship as it rocked back and forth. There was little room to move around in the cabins and it was filled with unruly men at times. Marisol was such a wonderful character. Her beauty was witnessed by many and her ability to defend herself remarkable. It was not easy to read about a horrible attack she endured and I wanted to scream at the man who caused her harm.
Marisol runs away from everything she knows and carries a secret that could cost her life. I loved the devotion her maid had in joining her on her journey to freedom. The story takes Marisol into dangerous places and I loved how the author uses faith for Marisol to hold on to. Through everything she goes through, one thing is certain. She has to trust God even though she feels hopeless at times. She will be faced with hard decisions and sacrifices.
Ethan was a man of honor and his attraction to Marisol will be tested as they face uncertainties. It was hard for Ethan at times to not let his feelings get in the way of achieving his goal in finding his sister. What a surprise Ethan had when he discovers a certain woman has stowed away on his ship. I loved reading about their endeavors and watching them grow closer to God and each other. There are a few surprises in the story and a bit of heartbreak that makes this book so engrossing. I highly recommend this book to readers who love reading about forgiveness, trust, adventure and a bit of romance.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
My Thoughts on Marisol Spanish Rose:
I love a good romance novel. Add in a bit of mystery and danger and I’m hooked for the duration!
This book was very well written. The characters really drew me in and wouldn’t let me go. I had to keep reading to find out what happens to Marisol and if Ethan ever gets his sister back. And most importantly if everyone ends up happily ever after in the end!
Definitely a book I recommend. Also, make sure you have time to read for hours when you start this book because you’re not going to want to put it down.
I think Marisol is my favorite character. She has wonderful quiet strength and dignity about her even when she’s fleeing for her life and being sold on the block. Ethan is a great complex character too but I’m not quite as drawn to him.
I can’t wait to see if we can get another book written about Ethan’s sister and her story!
Definitely get this book and read it for yourself. This was my first encounter with this author and I have to say I love her style and this book so I’ll be reading more of hers I’m sure.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
From the first page I was hooked. This is a Christian Historical Romance and has everything needed to be a page turner. I could not put the book down.
The author is an excellent storyteller. Her tale would twist and turn. Most characters were endearing. The villains were as detestable as they should be. The main characters Marisol and Ethan were complex and made the story intriguing.
Author Martin has a nice writing style. Her book was well thought and written with twists and surprises that made it an adventure to read. Scripture and faith was not hidden in this novel which I appreciated.
This book deals with timeless issues in a gracious way. It tackles forgiveness, grief, loss, faith, abuse, death, family, and love. This is a poignant story in parts and joyful in other. It is a beautiful tale of new beginnings.
I highly recommend this excellent book. It gets 5 out of 5 stars from this reader. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.
Several things drew me to this book. It is the first in Elva Cobb Martin’s new Charleston Brides series, and when possible, I like to start at the beginning of a series. It is also set during the Colonial era, which I always enjoy reading about, and the book summary sounded interesting. Had I not been given the opportunity to review it, I probably would not have picked this one up, and as I have mentioned before, this is one of the best parts of being a book reviewer. I try to challenge myself to read outside my standard categories and hopefully learn something and discover new (to me, at least) Christian authors. This book delivered on all counts.
“She’d killed him, but she’d had no choice.”
Immediately, Martin seizes the reader’s attention with the opening scene of “Marisol: Spanish Rose”. Sexual assault and a murder force 18-year-old Marisol Valentin to flee her native Spain, although her plans go awry and she finds herself bound in indentured servitude to Captain Ethan Becket in Charles Town, South Carolina. Becket, a former Presbyterian minister and native of England, now makes his living as a privateer. Haunted by the death of his wife, he hopes to rescue his captured sister, following up on a lead that she is in Cartagena. As Marisol’s and Ethan’s courses become increasingly intertwined, the stakes rise higher and they realize that they need each other’s help, but even more so, they need God’s.
Overall, my impressions of this book are positive. Martin crafts a redemptive story that is different from any Christian fiction I have previously read because of the setting and characters. The tension between Catholicism and Protestantism is clear, and it was interesting to see how this plays out in America, England, and Spain, with the Spanish Inquisition also factoring in here. Add to that seemingly antithetical main characters, with Marisol being Catholic and Ethan a Lutheran convert, both of whom have wavered in their faith, and the action never ceases. This latter point is, however, the issue that I had with the narrative. The beginning chapters seem rushed, with gaps in time and events mentioned after the fact without much, if any, detail. Although I hoped that this was would change after the first few chapters, it continued throughout the book. I understand not writing a Dickensian description, but I did feel jarred at many of the time lapses and was disappointed at the lack of details for some of the events that transpire. Nevertheless, “Marisol: Spanish Rose” is a stimulating read that explores the consequences of polarization, particularly among Christians, and reminds us of the one true God and the undying power of His forgiveness and love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Right out of the starting gate it was filled with adventure and great characters. I have read one other of Martin’s books and loved it too. I like the fact that it is clean and wholesome.
You’ll almost smell the salt in the air as you set sail on the Dryade with Ethan Becket and Marisol Valentin. From Spain to Charles Town to Cartagena, the English captain and Spanish beauty attempt to outrun their pain and secrets, only to find the strength to face their pasts together, in the light of God’s forgiveness and love. High seas adventure and romance by Elva Cobb Martin you don’t want to miss! – Denise Weimer, multi-published author of Fall Flip and The Witness Tree
What do you get when you cross a Spanish lady on the run for murder with a handsome pirate who used to be a priest? A great adventurous romance with tons of twists and turns, romance, danger, suspense, and well, everything you’d want in a good book. I immediately connected with the characters, felt sympathy for them, and rooted for them as they faced one harrowing situation after another. Rarely does a book keep me on the edge of my seat through the entire story! Ms. Martin has a real knack for keeping the action and romance going without cluttering things up with unnecessary details. You’d be a fool to pass on this one.
This book is book 1 in the author’s Charleston Brides series. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The characters leapt off the page into my heart and took me on a wild ride. I was glad I had it on my Kindle, because I could carry it in my purse and read it every second I had to wait somewhere. You won’t want to miss it.